<p>Hey guys,
I recently submitted my early decision application to Cal Poly SLO and I entered Computer Science as my intended major. I’m thinking that I might, however, want to get my degree in Computer Engineering and my masters in computer science. I have until November 15th to submit my major change from computer science to computer engineering. My main question is, assuming I make the change, will applying to computer engineering increase my chances of admission opposed to applying to computer science?
This is the link to my “chance me” thread of seeing my grades and qualifications would help. </p>
<p>I took AP Computer Science so I was hoping this would help me.
My one change to it is that my 9-12 gpa is around 4.02. On the link I put my 10-12 I believe.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone all input is much appreciated!</p>
<p>Your sat needs to be sent before November 15 for early decision im pretty sure so that one won’t make it but for rd it’ll be okay. AP comp sci will only help with your gpa contributing to the 8 semesters of weighted classes possible but you will not gain advantage by taking that class any more than you would get taking any other weighted class.</p>
<p>The computer science major has a projected acceptance rate of 15% whereas computer engineering has one of 24%. These are the percentages cal poly predicts it will accept so that will give a pretty good idea. </p>
<p>Basically computer engineering would be easier to get into or at least accepts more applicants than computer science.</p>
<p>Why would you want to major in something that you can teach yourself? CompSci seems like a waste of time to me. Majoring in CompSci is like majoring in art or a foreign language which is completely useless. Do ME and teach yourself programming. In my experience, when it comes to computer science, a classroom setting makes things super boring and way more difficult.</p>
<p>This is an interesting perspective @Brenms. There is a lot more to Computer Science than programming. There are algorithms, OS concepts, all sorts of new fields like big data, artificial intelligence, etc. That said, I do agree Computer Science tends to be a relatively narrow field which sometimes lacks in providing a broader engineering perspective. </p>
<p>@Brenms As a Computer Engineering graduate in 2011 and a Software Engineer for the past 3-4 years full-time, 2 years part-time while studying at Cal Poly, and highly involved in the new grad recruitment process for the engineering teams I am on at the two companies I’ve worked at, I can tell you this is poor and misguided advice.</p>
<p>Any field, ME or CS/CPE can be learned on your own. However what a college degree program gives you is structured learning plan, labs, and testing that ensures competency and credibility for the field. Not only that, but I highly doubt someone studying ME at Cal Poly would be physically able to find the time to study / practice computer science on their own as ME and CS do require significant investment in time.</p>
<p>Lastly, if you want to be a software engineer or go to any CS field other than being an IT technician, good luck getting your resume screened. Almost all new grad programs and even internships related to CS will only look at CS/CPE majors. Even if somehow your resume gets screened through, good luck getting through thorough technical interviews which will easily expose weaknesses in your lack of a proper CS education. </p>
<p>“good luck getting through thorough technical interviews which will easily expose weaknesses in your lack of a proper CS education.” </p>
<p>Sorry, but that’s completely absurd. Who defines what a “proper” education is? I know several self taught programmers who have great, secure jobs, and who are light years ahead of most of the CS professors that I have met. I’m fairly certain that your situation is isolated.</p>